The former amateur champion showed improved focus and resolve as he was able to maintain a strategy in utilising his size and reach, using an educated jab to set up right hands that hurt Minto and tied him up inside.

Minto quit on his stool following seven gruelling rounds which saw him knocked down in the fifth, then twice in the seventh and final round.

With the victory, Parker adds the WBO Oriental heavyweight title that Minto won from Shane Cameron; stopping him in 7 rounds in December of last year. The 22 year old already holds the interim PABA heavyweight strap he collected following his knockout win over Brazilian Marcelo Nascimento less than three months ago.

An increased focus on conditioning during training camp saw Parker weigh in at 102.6kg – a 6kg drop from his last fight. However, he was still considerably heavier than “The Beast”, who has spent a portion of his career at cruiserweight and weighed in at 95kg.

Parker set the distance early, hurting Minto with a right hand in the opening round. His speed, power, and general fistianic nous were too much for the seasoned campaigner, who also gave up 5 inches in height.

The 47 fight veteran began to wing shots as the fight progressed, seemingly unable to effectively get inside Parker’s reach.

Simply too small and tough for his own good, after being knocked down in the fifth round Minto seemed aware he was fighting a losing battle and appeared to want to stay on the canvas.

Minto was sent down hard twice during the seventh round following right hands, and was clearly a spent force at this point, calling a halt to the contest from his stool before the eighth round.

Minto had played down speculation about the extent of the injury to his nose before the fight, saying that it was only bruised. However, he conceded following the fight that it had been broken during sparring.

The boxing world is Parker’s oyster at this point; at 6’4’’ the 22 year old certainly has the size and skillset to be a real force in the division. Yet, with world number one Wladimir Klitschko still at the height of his reign, there would be no harm in Parker taking his time getting necessary fights at the top level, and taking advantage of the hole Wladimir’s retirement would leave in boxing’s biggest division.

Although the sun has set for Brian Minto’s career at the top level, the sky remains the limit of Parker, who continues to silence the critics in easily handling a step up in class each time he fights.

New Zealand based fight reporter covering local Boxing, MMA and Kickboxing as well as taking my time to wax lyrical on professional Boxing and MMA.

Been a fan of the fight game since childhood and laying down text on the matter since 2009, writing for some of the biggest local fight nights in recent times. Have been a semi-regular contributor to NZFighter since 2010.

If you’re a promoter or publication looking for content then I can be contacted on craigrebailey@yahoo.co.nz

New Zealand based fight reporter covering local Boxing, MMA and Kickboxing as well as taking my time to wax lyrical on professional Boxing and MMA.

Been a fan of the fight game since childhood and laying down text on the matter since 2009, writing for some of the biggest local fight nights in recent times. Have been a semi-regular contributor to NZFighter since 2010.

If you’re a promoter or publication looking for content then I can be contacted on craigrebailey@yahoo.co.nz

J’s Gym Martial Arts Academy began in 2006 in a small school hall. The constantly expanding non-profit Academy now commands its own facility and purpose designed equipment, plus accommodates a range of classes, from strength and conditioning, personal training, to Dutch style Kickboxing, Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Regardless of your fitness background or condition Mako Gym focuses on training for combat sports, they can help you to achieve your fitness goals through the use of their dynamic training area, weekly fitness classes and our Muay Thai & kickboxing club.

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